9 December 2016

Sorry I have been a bit slack with photos recently. The work camera took a dive into the ocean and is not the same since. I am aspiring to buy a waterproof camera in the next couple of weeks and get back shooting again. Nathan

We also have some availability for any bespoke private training or guided sea kayaking, so please do get in touch if this is of interest to you. Thanks, Nathaninfo@outdoorsireland.com+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

30 October 2016

Getting Lost With No Idea Of Where You Are; No Map And No Compass. Here Are Some Simple Rules For Finding Your Way Back To Civilization:

1. Head downhill, not uphill2. Head downstream, not upstream3. Follow linear features, such as a path/stream/river/spur/power line/tree line. They will often and eventually lead to a road and the road will lead to civilization4. In swamp try to circle around until you find an exit stream to follow5. In forestry trees are often planted in rows, so try follow a straight line row, to ensure you do not walk in circles6. In mountains try follow a spur or re-entrant downhill - looking for a stream to follow7. In a lake situation try to circle around until you find an exit stream to follow.8. Animal tracks will sometimes lead to water, so can be useful to follow if all else fails

23 October 2016

I am putting together a really awesome two-day course covering the skills for forest/jungle navigation. Course content being developed at the moment and I will have 2017 spring dates for this soon. The course ties into both our Mountain Skills Scheme and our Bushcraft Survival Skills Scheme.

This two-day course will be based in a mix of rolling deciduous forestry, dark partially impenetrable coniferous forestry, plus deep swampy overgrowth; and will run close to Glengarriff/Cork.

More details here soon. In the meantime if you are interested in booking onto this please email bushcraftireland@gmail.com. Thanks, Nathan - Outdoors Ireland

18 October 2016

Mountain Tip - Walking Pole: Carry at least one walking pole (even strapped to your backpack if you do not usually walk with one).

This can be used to work your way through bog and swamp; helps your
balance crossing streams; stabilises you in windy conditions; can work
as a simple crutch and can be separated into three short lengths to
splint a fracture.

Finally;
although not encouraged; for a real short distance, two poles can be
rolled up into the sides of a bivvy bag/survival bag (one on each side)
and a makeshift stretcher made.